Portland constantly asked questions of Whangaruru in the close-fought match, with the sides inseparable at the half at 23-25 in favour of Whangaruru.

Reannon Hetaraka-Sadler was a standout performer as she ran the point well, taking control of the game and playing a tough man-on defence. Hetaraka-Sadler combined well with Sian Telfer as she ran the lanes to top-score with 12 points.

Jaimee-lee Tito played well in containing and restricting Hetaraka-Sadler's game, keeping her in single figures while Tito top- scored for Portland with 14 points.

After a reasonable start from Portland, early fouling trouble forced Portland to adjust their structure as Whangaruru's press defence created problems for Portland.

Ray Cameron's guidance, and an offensive restructure, meant Portland were able to find some holes in Whangaruru's defence and led by four at the break.

In the weekend's other Super 6 match, the City Hawks easily disposed of the Maunu Lights 97-60.

In other TTT Classic games on the weekend, Takahiwai took out the Bucks 57-47. Takahiwai controlled the first half to lead 30-17. Top-scorers were the Bucks' Liahona Hebden and Takahiwai's Sue Reed-Thomas, both scoring 19 points.

Muriwhenua and Pipiwai's showdown was postponed until next year.

The Super 6 and TTT Classic takes a break over the summer and returns on January 18.